February 19, 2013

“We have passed through similar periods like that, even in antiquity,” said Ibrahim, custodian of the pyramids, tombs and temples that bare witness to one of the world’s oldest civilizations. “Every time Egypt passes through this period, it recovers very quickly, very strongly.”

But for now, Ibrahim’s ministry, is suffering from the repercussions of unrest that has hit the economy hard, driving away the tourism which pays his ministry’s bills.

Excavation work led by the ministry has ground to a halt because of the financial squeeze. The unrest has also stopped many foreign-financed digs by deterring the archaeologists.

I think it’s going to get worse before it gets better. They’re running out of dollars and chances aren’t good they’ll get new infusions without austerity measures that will only get the populace all worked up again.